Learn about the amazing history of the Star Wars Radio Dramas whose popularity helped save National Public Radio and led to a renaissance in the world of audio adventures.

By sharing research of original production materials and special rare images, this presentation celebrates the contributions of the actors (including Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels, and some surprising future Hollywood stars), the sound editors and designers, the writer, and the director John Madden ( Shakespeare in Love ) who worked together to perform the impossible - turn the visually stunning Star Wars films into thrilling radio adventures dependent only on words and NOT on images!

Special emphasis in this fascinating presentation by sociology professors John and Maria Jose Tenuto is placed on the life and creative genius of scriptwriter Brian Daley . Daley's contributions to Star Wars began with his 1979-1980 trilogy of Han Solo books which were some of the earliest EU novels produced. His legacy includes the scripts for the three radio dramas which expanded and enhanced the original movies' 6-1/2 hour combined running time into nearly 14 hours of radio adventure.

The late Daley's words were the heart of the radio dramas and his contributions will be explored in detail. Special thanks to Lucia St. Clair Robson, Brian's wife and fellow writer, for permissions and special pictures that will be shared.

John Tenuto has been a sociology professor for 20 years, 18 of those at the College of Lake County. He has been nominated eleven times for Outstanding Faculty of the Year, winning the award three different years. He is the coauthor of the book Social Movement Theory and Research. John and Maria Jose Tenuto's research on Star Trek and Star Wars production history have been featured on BBC Radio, WGN News, CBS News, the USA Today, and the Chicago Tribune. The couple will soon be appearing in a new Netflix documentary series about the history of toys.

Maria Jose Tenuto has been a sociology professor for 18 years at the College of Lake County. She has been nominated three times for outstanding faculty awards and was nominated for both an Innovation in Teaching Award and a Diversity Award. She was awarded the 2016 Values Recognition Award for Learning given to the single professor who best exemplifies a commitment to learning at the College of Lake County.